Press Secretary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 300,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience. The Office of Communications promotes the CPS vision, mission, activities, and priorities for all internal and external communication. In addition, the office supports schools by promoting their work and assisting in crisis situations through a full range of tools, channels, platforms, and strategies designed to engage key internal and external stakeholders.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Media Relations, the Press Secretary assists in many critical aspects of public outreach for Chicago Public Schools. As a member of the Communications team, the Press Secretary will help lead media outreach for the District, working closely with the Chief of Executive Director of Media Relations and Senior Press Secretary to develop and implement communications strategies for high-priority initiatives and urgent communications matters. The Press Secretary will have daily contact with members of the news media, both in proactively pitching newsworthy stories and responding to breaking news. This role will also serve as a liaison to key CPS departments and school staff. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Press Secretary will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Accurately and succinctly respond to members of the media in a timely manner on inquiries regarding District academic performance and innovation as well as operations, including the offices of Facilities, Finance, Safety and Security, and Talent through collaboration with District and school leadership and experts, and a strong working knowledge of CPS policies, processes and initiatives
• Develop proactive communications, including press releases, fact sheets, media advisories, leadership briefings, and media pitches about work being done to support students and staff throughout the District through the above described collaboration and working knowledge of the District
• Work as a team player who supports the media relations team by attending meetings and press conferences providing read-outs, collaborating on short- and long-term planning; including the development of media plans for annual events and operations such as the rollout of assessment data, the CPS budget, and other significant annual events
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Press Secretary must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

Experience Required:

Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in communications including media, external communications, and crisis communications within a large organization with a significant public profile

• Working in dynamic, high-intensity situations required
• Managerial experience preferred
• School communications experience preferred

Other Requirements:

• Occasional early morning, night, and weekend work is required
• Reliable access to transportation to travel to and from events within the City of Chicago is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent writing skills; Working knowledge of the AP style of writing
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and excellent critical thinking skills, with the ability to make decisions on deadline and communicate succinctly and accurately to both internal and external stakeholders on deadline
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues on best communication strategies for complex initiatives, including the CPS budget, academic data, teaching and learning strategies and outcomes, safety issues, and new initiative rollouts.
• Ability to balance competing high-profile priorities, demonstrate good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and operate as a strong team member
• Adept at multitasking while maintaining a calm and productive environment during crisis or emergency situations
• Ability to understand complex issues and simplify them for key audiences
• Proven track record developing and executing complex, large-scale projects with precision
• Operate with a sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success and working effectively under crisis situations
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, high-quality communications, and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels
• Ability to think strategically through problems and find solutions

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs: Medical Plan Options Pharmacy Dental Vision Behavioral Health & EAP Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: Basic Life Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Pension Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies: Paid Leave Sick Leave Vacation Days Parental Leaves Short-Term Disability Religious Holidays Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.